Acoustical ceiling tile rebate tool

Abstract

An acoustical ceiling tile rebate tool which provides graduated knives into a support structure which guides the acoustical ceiling tile past the graduated knives on two passes so that a rebate is efficiently cut into the tile.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention is generally directed to an acoustical ceiling tile rebate tool used in connection with suspended or dropped ceilings in which the pre-cut tiles having a cut or recessed perimeter, which allows the tile to hang below the frame of the suspended or dropped ceiling. The rebate must be added where partial tiles are necessary at the perimeter of the rooms and at non-rectangular portions of the ceiling.[0002]Generally, when a dropped ceiling is installed the installer first prepares the framework which is formed of a series of in metal strips which are suspended from the actual ceiling so as to hide duet work, electrical wires and lighting fixtures between the true ceiling and the flat dropped ceiling which forms the apparent ceiling of the room for users. Once the dropped ceiling framework is installed, the installer is able to note where tiles need to be cut to fit the frame, generally at the edges of the room. Preferred installation seems ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes an improved acoustical ceiling tile rebate tool that has various functions and features to enhance its performance. These features include graduated blades, a guide, a spring loaded snap over hood for safety, adjustable blades, back guide, and a simplified and transportable design. These features make the tool easy to use, perform high quality rebates with minimal practice, and are stable and portable.

Problems solved by technology

However, when the tile cut to fit a smaller section, usually at the edges of the room, the cute in the tile will result in an edge that does not include a recess or rebate.

Generally, cutting the new rebate on thee cut tile is a time consuming and difficult process.

Generally, the tile cutting of the recess or rebate is done on the job site and can often take a very substantial portion of the time necessary so install the dropped ceiling.

Existing tile cutters have a single blade which makes cutting difficult and which wears out blades rapidly.

If the cuts are not done properly, an irregular edge to the rebate will exist and the tile will not hang properly.

The hand-held tool can be difficult to use and many times requires multiple passes to achieve a clean cut.

Sometimes, because of the tool moving a bad cut is made and an entirely new tile has to be cut and rebated.

Also, from a mechanical or functional aspect, working the tool against the tile is far less desirable than working the tile against the tool.

This sort of tool is relatively expensive, and can be cumbersome and not conducive to use m the field.

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